purple82

I'm just wondering if anyone has installed CP Racing's new Rack & Pinion kit to see if it's an improvement in steering ratio and turning radius.

FD Racer

I have. It's 3.5 turns lock to lock and the turning circle seems a tad larger than stock. Bump steer has become a problem now....All in all it's not worth it, don't get it.

RX7145

iTrader: (1)

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/cp-racing-r-p-kit-new-version-part-ii-354897/

purple82

That's the upgrade to the original kit, not the kit with the new rack.

purple82

The lock to lock sounds like the old kit also, maybe with the upgrade. They've got a new kit with a new rack from what they tell me.

hondah8er

When this kit first came out didn't CP guarantee NO BUMP STEER?

85rotarypower

Overall, I haven't heard too many good things about it. Most people that have it say its not worth the money. I have no personal experience with it, but I also have no problem with the stock recirculating ball unit. It provides plenty of road feedback and seems to have a positive feel IMO. The only complaint I have about stock is that it seems to have too much play, but I live with it. I really see no need to get a R&P kit.

purple82

I'd say the same thing if I'd never driven a Porsche or Honda. Compared to a good rack, the recirculating ball feels totally lifeless. Ignorance is bliss, but I've seen the light.

steve84GS TII

Try driving a stock Miata.Itll make you wonder what your doing wrong with the RX's steering and suspension!

The rack is OK.The lack of play is very nice,and Ive yet to experience any bumpsteer.(I got mine last Oct,which makes it one of the first)
The tuning radius is only slightly worse,I can still make a Uturn in my street.The off-center feel is kinda vague and its not as slick as the original box.Overall,Im happy with it,but Im not blind to its shortcomings.Ill take whatever upgrades they come up with for it..........

Pele

iTrader: (28)

If you read Max7's post, he'll tell you the difference between the "2nd" version kit and the 1st..

It's a sticker upgrade... I guess because this sticker is on steering components, it improves the turning radius or speed...

There is no difference between version 1 and "2"...

In the linked thread, there are discussions on the kit.

purple82

Like I said, that's just the upgrade of the 1st release. Chris says so himself in the thread. There should be a completely new kit which is not addressed in any threads yet. Maybe it's not actually out yet.

purple82

I've driven a couple fo Miatas a couple of times. Aside from me looking stupid in it (I'm 6'1" and my head sticks over the windshield) and it being too cute for my taste, there's too much chassis shudder to really enjoy the feeling of the steering and suspension. I haven't tried one with a hard top, but I doubt I'd fit.

steve84GS TII

My buddies wife has one with springs,shocks,low pro tires and a legal rollbar.

Its almost telepathic when you tell it to turn.You dont even have to be smooth.Just yank the wheel over and it go-karts where you want it.
Yea,its a bit tinny being so light,and I look pretty stupid in it too....her husband cant even latch the door when he sits in it(6'5"-300lbs), so when theres a problem I have to drive/diagnose it!

wwilliam54

biuos has one

pjr

iTrader: (8)

Whenever I drive a Miata I feel like one of those shriners driving a mini-car in a parade....

P.S. Purple 82, great point about the Miata chassis shudder. It makes the car hard to enjoy.

purple82

I just heard from CP Racing. The kit is just now about to be released. It's a new rack and a new chassis bracket with different mounting points.

RX7145

iTrader: (1)

Humm, I wonder if I could turn in the "old" kit for the new one?

purple82

He says the steering shaft assembly is the same so you'd just need to buy the rack and frame.

purple82

I just bought it. I'll report when I get it.

As the pictures show, it's quite different from the 1st kit.

hornbm

That new design looks way cheaper in overall quality than the first one. But I wonder how it performs??

Are the problems with the first kit fixed?

purple82

I disagree on the quality. The welded round tubing with little tabs welded at the end on the original kit really disappointed me. This one looks a little heavier but much more substantial. It also mounts to better points on the chassis.

Turning radius is supposed to be the same as stock, the ratio is also supposed to be faster.

RX7145

iTrader: (1)

I'm looking forward to your review.

purple82

Paul, have you ever had a chance to check on the ackerman angle? That's the only part that really concerns me about these kits.

The Wankler

iTrader: (14)

I really wish he would just close shop......

purple82

Huh?